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To help prepare for catastrophe, Toronto hires a ‘chief resilience officer’

The role comes as cities around the world are increasingly concerned with the effects of climate change and building more sustainable infrastructure.

With the Toronto Islands subject to heavy flooding, council voted in May not to implement a stormwater management plan that city staff developed over five years.
(Rick Madonik / Toronto Star file photo)

By David HainsMetro

Thu., June 15, 2017

Toronto has hired its first ever chief resilience officer.

Elliott Cappell, who previously served as head of climate-change strategy at an international policy development firm, will help the city prepare for catastrophic events.

The new role comes as cities around the world are increasingly concerned with the effects of climate change and building more sustainable infrastructure.

“I am thrilled to become the city’s first chief resilience officer, and am excited to begin working with city council and staff, residents, businesses and community stakeholders on a strategic action plan,” said Cappell in a press release. He was not available for further comment.

Cappell has also consulted for the World Bank and United Nations.

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The hiring comes at a critical time; next month council will debate its landmark TransformTO plan to meet climate-change goals by 2050. While there is broad support in principle, it remains unclear whether the city will be able to fund the plan in the face of a projected 2018 budget freeze.

With the Toronto island nearly half-submerged, council voted in May not to implement a stormwater management plan that city staff developed over five years.

But the new role should have more clout than the typical civil servant.

“It’s very important for the indiviudal to be both a disruptor and connector,” he said, explaining the need to cut through red tape and break down divisional “silos” to get results.

The position of chief resilience officer will be funded for the first two years by 100 Resilient Cities, a non-profit supported by the U.S.-based Rockefeller Foundation. The organization will also provide member cities such as Toronto access to $200 million to help fund research and consultation.

Cappell will join a network of resilience officers in cities across the world. “We think Elliott will be a great addition,” said Otis Rolley, the 100 Resilient Cities regional director for North America.

Rolley explained that the officers learn best practices from one another and decide how to apply them in their own city.

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